218 HORSE, SWINE AND POULTRY DISEASES 



tions, among which that of diminutive size has been named, which 

 seems in itself to constitute a sufficient negative argument. But even 

 in such a case a resort to the knife or the gouge could scarcely find a 

 justification, since no operative procedure is ever without a degree of 

 hazard, to say nothing of the considerations which are always forci- 

 bly negative in any question of the infliction of pain and the un- 

 necessary use of the knife. 



If an acute periostitis of the canon bone has been readily dis- 

 covered, the treatment we have already suggested for that ailment is 

 at once indicated, and the astringent lotions may be relied upon to 

 bring about beneficial results. Sometimes, however, preference may 

 be given to a lotion possessing a somewhat different quality, the alter- 

 ative consisting of tincture of iodine applied to the inflamed spot 

 several times daily. If the lameness persists under this mild course 

 of treatment, it must, of course, be attacked by other methods, and 

 we must resort to the cantharides ointment or Spanish-fly blister. 

 Besides this, and producing an analogous effect, the compounds of 

 biniodide of mercury are favored by some. It is prepared in the 

 form of an ointment, consisting of 1 dram of the biniodide to 1 

 ounce of either lard or vaseline. It forms an excellent blistering and 

 alterative application, and is of special advantage in newly formed 

 or recently discovered exostosis. 



It remains a pertinent query, however, and one which seems to 

 be easily answered, whether a tumor so diminutive in size that it can 

 only be detected by diligent search, and which is neither a disfigure- 

 ment nor an obstruction to the motion of the limb, need receive any 

 recognition whatever. Other modes of treatment for splints are rec- 

 ommended and practiced which belong strictly to the domain of op- 

 erative veterinary surgery. Among these are to be reckoned actual 

 cauterization, or the application of the fire iron and the operation of 

 periosteotomy. These are frequently indicated in the treatment of 

 splints which have resisted milder means. 



The mode of the development of their growth ; their intimacy, 

 greater or less, with both the large and small canon bones; the 

 possibility of their extending to the back of these bones under the 

 suspensory ligament; the dangerous complications which may fol- 

 low the rough handling of the parts, with also a possibility, and in- 

 deed a probability, of their return after removal these are the con- 

 siderations which have influenced our judgment in discarding from 

 our practice and our approval the method of removal by the saw or 

 the chisel, as recommended by certain European veterinarians. 



SIDEBONES. 



A sidebone consists in a transformation of the lateral cartilages 

 found on the wings of the coffin bone into bony matter by the depo- 

 sition of lime salts. The disease is a common one, especially in 

 heavy horses used for draft, in cavalry horses, cow ponies, and other 

 saddle horses, and in runners and trotters. Sidebones are peculiar 

 to the fore feet, yet they occasionally develop in the hind feet, where 

 they are of little importance since they cause no lameness. In many 

 instances sidebones are of slow growth and, being unaccompanied 



